Devotion: God’s Gift of Hope

We tend to think of hope as little more than wishful thinking, though maybe more intense. Hope certainly sounds better than expressing the thought, “Well, I certainly wish for this or that.”

Dreaming and wishing isn’t necessarily a bad thing if we don’t get stuck in that mode, but use those dreams and wishes to motivate us to make those dreams and wishes come true.

However, I’ve recently heard a sermon that provided a whole different perspective on hope. I came to realize our idea of hope and what God means by hope are not the same thing at all. In fact, God’s definition of hope has far more substance than merely “wishful thinking.” Biblical hope has a much more solid foundation.

Hope is a gift from God, part of His grace. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” –Romans 15:4 God wants us to be filled with His hope. Why? Because His hope is grounded not in wishful thinking, but in faith. Once we live by faith in Christ, hope becomes our confident assurance.

As we follow Jesus, our hope in Him becomes our security, our anchor because we have tasted His love and care for us. We accept Him not only as Creator but as Savior who is there no matter what, comforting, strengthening and guiding us as we hope in Him. We can be lifted up and even rejoice because Jesus is our hope through the worst Satan and life throws our way. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…” Romans 12::12 (KJV)

Hope is trusting God for what we cannot see, or understand. “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for if we see it, why do we yet hope for it? But if we hope for what we do not see, then we will patiently wait for it. …And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:24, 25-28

When we hang on to Jesus, He never leaves or forsakes us. God has our back. Because our hope has a secure foundation in Christ, Biblical hope helps us look ahead to tomorrow and the future with confidence. After all, God has this.